Resources for FCSS-funded organizations

​The Theory of Change is the cornerstone of FCSS Calgary’s contract with an organization for delivering a program. All new and ongoing programs require a one-page Theory of Change statement.

FCSS provides several resources for organizations applying for funding. 

• FCSS Theory of Change Overview explains what goes into each section of a Theory of Change and why.
• FCSS Theory of Change Template provides a summary of information with additional guidelines for completing the form. A Word version of the template is available upon request.
• FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators List can be used to copy the indicators that will be used by the program and paste them into the Theory of Change.
• FCSS Footnote Style Guide provides examples of how to cite references in the footnotes of the Theory of Change. It also lists all the FCSS Research Briefs, which can be copied into the Theory of Change and amended based on the section referenced and its page number.
• 2022 Theories of Change and Outcome Indicators (Updated November 2021) can be used for reference purposes.

FCSS-funded organizations must submit annual year-end reports on the Funding Information Management System database. Report types depend on the nature of the funded program or initiative (e.g. Increasing Social Inclusion, Policy or Systems Change, or Community Development for Strengthening Neighborhoods).

For Social inclusion programs: All organizations funded for increasing social inclusion programs must complete a program year-end report and must also use the FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) surveys for pre- and post-testing of program participants.

FSII data reporting: All FCSS-funded organizations that report on FSII are contractually required to collect and enter FSII data on an ongoing basis. The indicator surveys selected for a program are based on the strategies and rationale identified to achieve the program goal. Organizations that are signing a contract with FCSS for the first time will receive assistance to select indicator surveys and access to the FSII online database.​

​Organizations will need to submit an audited financial statement for all operations of the organization, including a statement of revenue and expenses for programs or initiatives funded by FCSS.

​Organizations receiving FCSS funding are required to work with their Partnership Specialist to select the most suitable indicators to measure their program impact. The selected indicators are then added to the program’s Theory of Change.

A list of all the possible indicators to measure social inclusion outcomes used by FCSS is contained in the FSII All Surveys list below, along with other useful outcome measurement resources.

Most FSII survey questions have been drawn from standardized surveys used to measure specific outcomes.

• FSII Data Entry Training this training will help you learn how enter data into the FSII system.
  
• FSII Data Entry Training Slides these slides are a resource that accompany the training and contain important hyperlinks.
• Survey Question Sources provides survey sources. 
• The FSII Info Sheet – How Data are Used provides more information on how the data is used and collected by the FCSS program.
• FSII – All Surveys includes surveys that are available to agencies.
• The FSII User Manual outlines the steps needed to register as an FSII user. It also provides detailed examples of how to enter and analyze data in the FSII system. 
• FSII FAQ provides more information on technical and user issues.
• Client Tracking Sheet - A tool to help track the client data entered into the FSII system.

All organizations approved by City Council for program funding are required to sign an FCSS Funding Agreement. This agreement outlines the terms of the contract between the organization and FCSS Calgary.